Chamber Seeking `Dynamic' Leader

SEMINOLE BUSINESS - BRIEFCASE

October 20, 1999

The Greater Seminole Chamber of Commerce has started its search to find a new president. Chamber executive Wayne Weinberg is leaving after five years to take a position with TRC Staffing in Orlando. Weinberg's last day is Nov. 5.

``We are looking for a dynamic person who can keep the momentum going,'' said chamber chairman Martin Herbenar. ``Wayne has done an excellent job.''

Herbenar said the chamber has chosen a search committee and is now advertising for the position. The Greater Seminole Chamber of Commerce, based in Altamonte Springs, has more than 1,500 members throughout Central Florida.

- EXECUTIVE TO ADDRESS ASSOCIATION

The Private Business Association of Seminole will host a business reception for business leaders today in the domestic terminal of the Orlando Sanford Airport. The reception will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

David Orr, First Union senior vice president, will be the featured speaker. Orr is the chief economist for the Charlotte, N.C., bank. He regularly appears on television news programs as an economic commentator. Orr will be talking about Seminole County's rapid economic growth.

For more information, call (407)323-1315.

- PAN AM GETS EARLY GROWTH SPURT

Pan American Airlines is continuing to see its passenger lists grow in the airline's early days of service from Portsmouth, N.H., to Sanford.

John Nadolny, Pan Am senior vice president, said that reservations for the low-cost airlines have surpassed 100 a day and the airline is looking at fuller flights.

Sanford Airport officials are meeting with Pan Am officials this week to talk about bringing airline shuttle service connecting Sanford with other Florida cities such as Fort Meyers or Panama City.

Pan Am President Dave Fink said the airline is taking a long look at the shuttle service.

``It's a way to build business,'' Fink said of the shuttle service.

- DEAL SECURES SANFORD'S NUMBERS

Orlando Sanford International has reached its second long-term deal with one of its charter airlines. Airtours International Airways, the airport's largest airline, was expected to sign a new multi-year deal Tuesday.

The deal will cement the Sanford airport's passenger base. Last year, the airport lost two charter airlines, which meant a loss of an estimated 200,000 passengers. Even with the departures, the Sanford airport could come close to 1 million passengers in 1999.

- LOST LAKE COMMUNITY SELLING WELL

Orlando-based Ryland Homes is reporting surging home sales at its new Lost Lake community in Casselberry.

Nearly one-fifth of the 126-home community has been sold since the models opened recently, said Ryland Vice President Ron Utterback.

The community, off Winter Park Road and Seminole Boulevard, has houses priced from $130,000 to $200,000. The community includes lots on the Casselberry Golf Course and Lost Lake.

- CITY TO CUT ALL TIES WITH DEVELOPER

Winter Springs Mayor Paul Partyka said the city should sever ties with Las Vegas developer Rohit Joshi because he did not perform on his exclusive agreement with the city.

Joshi was hoping to turn more than 900 acres along State Road 434 into a traditional downtown for the community. However, he has yet to close on any land deals. A landowner at the northwest corner of S.R. 434 and Tuskawilla Road had ended his contract with Joshi and is selling his land to another developer.

``He has no credibility. He had not done what he said he would,'' Partyka said of Joshi. ``He needs to be out.''

Joshi has had an office in Winter Springs City Hall. Partyka said the city needs to move away from any special arrangements with Joshi and allow him to compete with other developers.

Joshi said in an interview that he still hopes to develop in Winter Springs. He said that possible land deals have fallen through because the asking price is too high.

- MEALS ON WHEELS NEEDS DONATIONS

Better Living for Seniors is hoping local businesses will help make the holidays brighter for the needy by donating money to their Meals on Wheels program.

The nonprofit agency feeds about 450 elderly people a day, and other recipients go to congregate centers. It often is the thin line for some between independent living and life in a nursing home. Many of the recipients scrimp and save, sometimes even shorting their medications.

Better Living for Seniors is asking for $250, $500 or $1,000 donations, which are tax-deductible. Those who give $1,000 will be guests at Better Living for Seniors' annual celebration dinner.